A Daughter’s Courage: A powerful, gritty new saga from the Sunday Times bestseller. Kitty Neale

been paid yesterday, but already most of his week’s wages had been blown in a card game. He was in debt to a couple of loan sharks, and he also owed money to his brother Adrian. If he was going to buy Dorothy any sort of ring, he would have to come up with a plan to get his hands on some cash, or be forced to go cap in hand to his brother yet again.

      Dorothy had made a run for the ladies’ toilets when Kimberley sauntered up to him with a knowing look on her face. He glanced around to make sure that Jimmy hadn’t noticed.

      ‘Keep your mouth shut, Kim, and make sure you stick to our story. I don’t want Jimmy or Dottie finding out about us. What happened earlier was a bit too close for comfort.’

      ‘Don’t worry. I don’t want Jimmy to know about us any more than you do, but someone up our street saw you leaving our house and had a word in his ear. He’ll be going out on Tuesday night to darts, but best you come round to the back door. If it’s all clear I’ll leave my bedroom curtains closed, but if they ain’t drawn, you’ll have to scarper.’

      Robbie wasn’t sure if he still wanted to risk it with Kimberley, but then again she did things for him that very few of the others would. She liked to take control and would lead the way in the bedroom, which Robbie found was a real turn-on for him.

      ‘OK, I’ll see you then, and make sure you’ve got that little black lacy number on, the one you told me you wore on honeymoon with Jimmy.’

      When Dorothy quietly closed her front door that night, Alice was waiting in the kitchen for her. She never went to bed before she was sure her daughter was home safely.

      ‘Did you have a nice time? Judging by that big grin on your face, I’m guessing you did,’ Alice asked, pleased to see Dorothy looking so happy.

      ‘Oh, Mum, you won’t believe it. I’m not meant to say anything until it’s official but I’ll burst if I don’t tell you. Robbie asked me to marry him and I said yes!’

      Alice was genuinely pleased for her daughter, but had been secretly fearing that this day would come. Her heart sank. She could help to make Dorothy’s wedding dress, but, suffering from agoraphobia, she doubted she’d be able to get to the church to see her walking down the aisle. These damn stupid fears, she thought, cursing the affliction that would cause her to miss her only child’s wedding day.

      Not only that, but Alice didn’t know how she’d cope without Dorothy. She hadn’t left the house since before the Blitz, not even to take shelter as bombs had dropped around her, razing houses to the ground. Thankfully Dorothy had been evacuated to Devon and Alice’s neighbours had rallied round, getting her shopping and anything else she needed. She had missed her daughter so much, but when the war ended and Dorothy was old enough, the young girl had taken over any outside tasks that Alice had been unable to do.

      She had tried to step over the threshold of her front door on many occasions, but her phobia had always beaten her and she had retreated back into the safety of her home. Though she knew it was selfish, Alice worried how she would manage without Dorothy’s wage. She felt sure that Robbie wouldn’t want to live with his in-laws, especially in this part of Battersea. Their house didn’t have any of the modern conveniences like an inside toilet, and, from what Dorothy had told her, Robbie lived in the posh part of the borough. Apart from anything else Alice knew that they would want to start a family soon, and then Dorothy wouldn’t be able to work.

      As if sensing her qualms, Dorothy quickly spoke.

      ‘It’s all right, Mum, you won’t have anything to worry about. Me and Robbie will make sure you and Dad are well looked after. We’ll have two salaries coming in, and I reckon he must earn a good one working as a mechanic. Whatever happens, I’ll still get your shopping in, and as for my wedding day, we’ll sort something out, even if it means I have to get married in the back yard.’

      Guilt flared again at her daughter’s words, but Alice was so proud of Dorothy. What a thoughtful girl to be thinking about her mum and dad! Robbie was a lucky man, and she hoped he realised it.

      Dorothy was far too excited to sleep that night, tossing and turning as she began trying to plan her wedding dress down to every fine detail. She pulled the thin blankets up under her chin and shivered. She wasn’t sure if the tremble was down to the chilly night or the memory of Robbie’s touch and what had happened in the alley. All her good intentions of losing her virginity on her wedding night had gone out of the window, but at least the man who had taken it was destined to be her husband. It hadn’t hurt like she’d heard it would. Actually, looking back she’d found it very enjoyable and couldn’t wait to be living with Robbie, sharing a bed with him every night.

      But that was something to ponder on, and, though she had reassured her mother, Dorothy wondered what she was going to do about her parents. She couldn’t just abandon them. With her mother too afraid to leave the house, her father mentally unstable and no other family to share the burden, it would be down to her to ensure their security. Yet Dorothy was sure that Robbie would be understanding and supportive. He was fully aware of her situation so she wondered if he might consider moving into their home. It was an idea, but when she thought about the house that Robbie shared with his older brother Adrian she feared he wouldn’t agree. It was much larger and grander than this place, and in a better area too. She’d been surprised when she’d first seen the house and met Adrian. He was very different from his brother. Whereas Robbie was tall and good-looking, Adrian was short, tubby and balding, though his face was nice to look at.

      Her mind drifted back to where they would live. If she could persuade Robbie to move in here it would be the perfect solution, at least until they were ready to start a family. They would have to rethink the situation then as there was nothing she wanted more than a child of her own, lots of them in fact – a house filled with little Robbies. Dorothy thought about how gorgeous they would look if they took after their father with his dark hair and big brown eyes.

      She remembered how her dad used to play with her when she was a child. He was always so attentive and such fun to be with. Now, though, her dad’s illness was the only shadow in her landscape, but maybe holding a grandchild in his arms would bring him back to them.

      Dorothy smiled, hoping her dreams would all come true as she pictured her future with the man she was going to marry and loved with all her heart.

       Chapter 3

      Adrian replaced the telephone receiver and turned his attention to Robbie, who was looking agitated as he paced the office floor. Adrian knew they would never be taken for brothers. Robbie was tall, slim and dark with swarthy good looks, whereas Adrian knew his weight detracted from his pleasant face – and they were poles apart in character too.

      Before his younger brother had a chance to speak, Adrian guessed that Robbie would be asking for money again. He took a deep breath, resolving that this time would be different; he wouldn’t be a pushover. He would stand his ground and be firm. It was about time he gave the young man a few home truths. He knew it would be difficult but it needed doing as Robbie’s finances appeared to be spiralling out of control.

      ‘Hello, Rob. Why aren’t you at work?’

      ‘It’s a bit slow today. We haven’t got any vehicles in so Roger sent me off early, not that I’m complaining. He doesn’t dock my wages and I bloody hate working in that greasy pit.’

      Adrian sighed. ‘I told you to continue your education, Rob, but would you listen? No. You insisted on leaving school and in fact you’re lucky to be in your position. Lots of people would love to be a mechanic and earn the money you do. So stop complaining.’

      ‘Yes, but I wish I’d listened to you now.’

      Adrian narrowed his eyes. That remark was enough for him to know that his brother wanted something and he could guess what it was. ‘So what brings you here?’

      ‘You couldn’t see me straight for a few bob, could you?’

      Adrian